Kofu Castle

Kofu Castle 甲府城 Kōfu-jō (also called Maizuru Castle) is a 400 year old castle in the centre of Kofu near the train station.  When I lived in Japan, it was just the foundations, as it had burnt down in 1877 - I loved to climb up to the castle foundations, and look at the view over Kofu.  It was very peaceful up there.  Since I was last in Kofu, two of the castle towers have been reconstructed using traditional building methods.  We had a very short visit to the castle, but it was great to climb to the top of the hill again and see the view of Kofu below us.  

The side gate

The side gate

One of the reconstructed buildings - it looks like it is being used for cultural and sporting events - great to see something like this being used by the whole community

Back down the steps to the side gate (the steps are very steep, giving J a challenge with her crutches)

One of the reconstructed buildings

On top of the hill - this would be beautiful in cherry blossom season

The main gate looking back down towards Kofu

The main gate from inside the castle

The view over Kofu

A glimpse of Mt Fuji from the castle

From the battlements foundations back to the main area of the castle

Looking back towards Kofu station

Looking west towards some of the mountains that ring around Kofu

Looking up to the obelisque that was where I used to sit and survey Kofu in 1987

Any guesses on what this building is at the top of the castle??  A gift shop?  A small meditation room or museum.  Nope..... these are the nicest toilets we have seen anywhere in the world.  Top marks to the Kofu government for having such forethought to make them so beautiful and in keeping with the surrounds.

On our last day in Kofu I remembered to take some street shots to give you an idea of what it is like - not much has changed since I was here in 1987, although there are a few new buildings, and many of the businesses are different - but it is laid out the same as it was when I lived here when I was riding my bicycle everywhere.